The $200 Nikon DSLR lens that can do it all (24-85mm VR)

My review of the humble Nikon AF-S 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G VR lens. If you're looking for an all-purpose lens for your FX (or DX) camera, this could be the one. Great combination of features, size, weight, and optical quality.
Get this lens on eBay (much cheaper than new): ebay.us/houfva
The CPL filter I used with this lens: amzn.to/3Re2Wqj
DISCLAIMER:
Some of these links have an affiliate code. If you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

[@lensvana]

Get this lens on eBay (much cheaper than new): ebay.us/houfva (AFFILIATE LINKS) The CPL filter I used with this lens: amzn.to/3Re2Wqj

[@tonyb2760]

My most used landscape lens for years has been the non-vr version of the 24-85. It is my go to full frame landscape lens for Nikon .

[@PJ-om2wq]

I bought one of these because I was sick of the weight and size of my 24-120 f4 if I'm carrying it around all day, and because it's cheap. This week I've been carrying it a lot on my D750 and I love it, no more shoulder ache from the weight of it even after carrying the camera all day

[@lensvana]

Nice! Yeah that's the main draw over the 24-120 f4, suddenly the camera/lens combination becomes much more manageable. Happy shooting

[@slr7075]

This lens is a great buy especially when photographers are going for mirrorless systems now. On the used market this lens makes sense as an affordable great walk around do-it-all kind of lens. It's relatively lightweight, consistently sharp, minimal CA, handy VR and has versatile focal length. It's not a constant f2.8 or f4, but who wants to carry more weight, bulk and have the fear of damaging more expensive equipment? This lens has a solid reputation and performance to make up for the slower f3.5-4.5 aperture. The bonus of VR works great and allows me to handhold 1/2 secs in dark conditions which amazes me. I used this lens with my D700 and the pair is inseparable. The only caveats is the distortion but Lightroom can easily take care of that in a single click. Your review is right on the spot and for the Nikon F mount system, this lens can be the best for the money.

[@lensvana]

Thanks - couldn't have said it better myself! I know people also recommend the 28-105mm AF-D as a walkaround lens for the D700 but I haven't had a chance to try one myself, I find that I prefer the extra 4mm on the wide end that the 24-85mm gives.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

i have to say, i have watched three of your YT vids about Nikon lenses and have strongly agreed with each! thank you for the effort and the sharing. I am now a subscriber your your channel. thumbs up.

[@lensvana]

Thank you for watching and for your support! :)

[@DVAmarkera]

То как подается материал практически каждого видео и то, насколько он информативный - доставляет мне настоящее удовольствие. Именно таким бы я сделал и собственный канал, если бы он был посвящен этой тематике. Это даже круче чем работа Руслана Левиева и его команды CIT. С благодарностью, в том числе за ваши таблицы, Мик из Москвы

[@lensvana]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words! Comments like this motivate me to make more videos :)

[@tmewborn1]

Thank You, I enjoyed your take on this lens. Mine came with my Nikon D-610, I love it. I have used with My Nikon D-850, D3s, In all aspects of photography from Landscape, some youth sports, home studio. It is an excellent Portrait lens @ 24mm around f3.5 in my opiniom.

[@lensvana]

Thanks for watching! You're right, 24mm @ 3.5 is a great environmental portrait setup.

[@abevaziri2724]

Thanks

[@MrZorbatron]

Just ordered it. Thank you. I have the 24-120 f/4 (one of my favorites), and it is definitely heavy. This seems like a great vacation walk around lens.

[@lensvana]

It certainly is! Hope you enjoy it

[@mistergiovanni7183]

I think you haven't left any pending issue with this zoom. I have it and used it in FX on D700 and D3S but, honestly, it doesn't convince me. As you mentioned, in the corners from 24mm to 35 and with open f stop worse, the corners are very blurry, but too blurry for a lens that is surprisingly sharp in the center. I don't like that at all and neither do the distortion at those wide angle focal lengths, at longer focal lengths it isn't that much of a problem but at wide angle if you end up with straight horizontal lines no automatic correction works. You have to make very artisanal corrections in Photoshop. In conclusion, I replaced it with a 28 and a 50 AI prime lenses, cheaper and almost without distortion. And I was just thinking if I should sell it or keep it this zoom for a future D300 or DX sensor, since as you say I think at least I won't see the blurry edges and the VR for low light conditions works well. I also have the 28-85 f3.5/4.5 AF-D zoom and for a quarter of what the VR costs, you lose some wide angle but although it is a little less contrasty than the G, the sharpness at wide angle in AF-D zoom lens is much superior despite being a older lens. Thank you so match.

[@lensvana]

Thank you for watching! Yes the distortion at the wide end is strong and definitely not for everyone. I like it for street/reportage etc, or if the subject is in the center. Probably some sample variation too. I also prefer using the AI/AI-S primes when possible, great construction and optics. The 24-85mm is just for convenience. There's also the 24-120mm F4 to consider, bit bigger/heavier but even more versatile and (if you get a good one) very sharp too. If your needs lean towards the wide end, try the 18-35mm G (NOT the D) on FX. That + 50mm + 85mm would be a great kit

[@mistergiovanni7183]

@@lensvana True, I've always heard very good recommendations about the 18-35 and it's also not that expensive. I really liked the combination of the three lenses you mentioned.

[@user-dq6hs4vg1k]

VERY NOICEEEEEE

[@josephhuang336]

Thanks for the review! I was wondering how this lens compare to the 28-80 f3.5-5.6 in terms of sharpness.

[@lensvana]

Thanks for watching! I haven't tested them side by side - sample variation is going to play a big part any time you're comparing these variable aperture zooms. Check out the 28-80mm f3.3-5.6G (can be had for $20) - it's sharp and light

[@josephhuang336]

Checked out your 28-80mm video, great review! I agree different zoom lengths, apertures and atmospheric conditions definitely affect sharpness. It’s hard to tell unless you compare it side by side. But in your experience would you comfortably say that one of these two lenses is noticeably sharper than the other? Thanks!

[@lensvana]

@@josephhuang336 Wide open the 24-85mm G is probably sharper, at f/8 you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference. The VR also means you're statistically more likely to get critically sharp results with the 24-85mm

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

i thought it said in one of your videos you are in sweden(?).

[@amermeleitor]

Would it work well with the FTZ adapter on a Z30?

[@lensvana]

Haven't tested that combo myself, but I don't see why not - it should work just fine, as this is a fairly recent lens. On a Z30 the whole thing would be a bit front-heavy and lopsided, however, with the FTZ and this lens added on